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MEASUREMENT OF CONCEPTUAL
VARIABLES
Last week, you learned about the importance of operationally defining variables to support the
construct validity and internal validity of a study. Operational definitions are also important as
you consider how to measure variables. For example, you will need to operationally define
conceptual variables of interest (e.g., self-esteem, satisfaction, anxiety) before you can measure
the concepts. When the measure accurately assesses the conceptual variable, it is said to have
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LgRendition/GettyLicense_155136356.jpg)
face validity. Operationalizing variables is also important to the measurement concept of
reliability, which is the consistency or stability of a measure (e.g., test and retest to achieve similar
results).
In this Discussion, you will gain experience writing items to create a rating scale for a conceptual
variable of your choice, which you will administer to friends/family. Based on the responses you
obtain, you will consider the validity and reliability of your scale.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Review previous chapters if you need to (e.g., Chapter 4 on
variables and operational definitions)
Cozby, P. C., & Bates, S. C. (2024). Methods in behavioral
research (15th ed.). McGraw Hill.
Chapter 5, “Measurement Concepts”
Chapter 7, “Asking People About Themselves: Survey
Research”
Rosenberg, M. (1965). Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
(
direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=pst&AN=9999-01038-000&site=eds-
live&scope=site&custid=s6527200) [Database record]. APA PsycTests.
ShortCutsTV (Producer). (2018). Reliability & validity
( [Video].
Alexander Street.
Walden University, LLC. (2024). Creating rating scales
(
media.waldenu.edu/2dett4d/Walden/PSYC/3003/cr/index.html)
Readings
Media
Optional Resources
To prepare:
Read Chapter 5 and the indicated sections of Chapter 7 (focusing on the sections
Constructing Questions to Ask, Responses to Questions, and Rating Scales).
Recall what you learned in this week’s Learning Activity about creating rating scales with
numeric values, and review the example scale in the Learning Resources. Note that your
own rating scale may differ from the examples depending on the requirements for
measuring the conceptual variable you select.
Identify a conceptual variable that is of interest to you. A few examples are social
identity, risk-taking behavior, job satisfaction, employee engagement, environmental
awareness. Once you have decided on a conceptual variable, develop an operational
definition for the variable.
Create your own five- to 10-item rating scale with numerical values to assess the
conceptual variable you defined.
Before writing the items, consider the wording of statements and possible related
issues (e.g., double-barred statements, loaded statements, “yea-saying” and “nay-
saying,” etc.).
Be sure to fully develop your rating scale to include instructions for your
participants. Note: For the version of the scale you will provide in your post, include
coding instructions for the administrator (e.g., reverse-score certain items).
Administer the scale to at least three friends or family members. You may administer it in
person or via email.
Analyze the responses you obtained (i.e., what do responses reveal related to your
conceptual variable?).
Reflect on the possible strengths and limitations related to the measurement reliability
and validity of your scale.
Prepare to upload the scale you created as an attached document (in Word or RTF
format) to your Discussion post.
Post a response to the following.
[Interactive media]. Walden University Canvas.
American Psychological Association. (2023, June). Psychology
topics ( .
BY DAY 3
Include the conceptual variable in the first line of your post (e.g., “Job Satisfaction”).
Then:
Provide the operational definition you created for your conceptual variable.
Explain your experience writing the scale (noting at least one challenge) and
administering the scale.
Provide your analysis of the responses you obtained as it relates to your conceptual
variable. Do not include your participants’ actual responses.
Assess the strengths and limitations of your scale’s reliability and validity, describing what
you might do differently (if anything) in a revision.
Attach the five- to 10-item scale with numerical values to measure a conceptual variable
that you developed (either a Word or RTF file).
Note: Your initial response should be supported with scholarly evidence from your research
and/or the Learning Resources and properly cited in APA format. You may state your opinion
and/or provide personal examples; however, you must also back up your assertions with
evidence, including in-text citation(s) and reference(s) in APA style. It is recommended that
you review the Grading Rubric with the criteria that will be used to evaluate your Discussion
prior to your submission.
Respond to at least one colleague’s original post in one or more of the ways listed below.
Ask a probing question about their experience developing or administering the scale and
provide the foundation, or a rationale, for the question.
Offer an alternative way that the variables of interest in their proposed study could be
operationally defined.
Support or offer a different perspective to a colleague’s explanation of the strengths and
limitations concerning the reliability and/or validity of their scale.
Note: Your response to your colleague should be substantive and supported with scholarly
evidence from your research and/or the Learning Resources and properly cited in APA
format. Personal anecdotes are acceptable within meaningful responses but cannot stand
alone as a response. Responses should enrich the initial post by supporting and/or adding a
fresh viewpoint and be constructive, enhancing the learning for all students.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before
you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by
clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you
click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot
BY DAY 5
post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post
Reply!
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